Bill > HB227

This bill requires the Delaware Court of Chancery, a specialized business court that handles corporate and legal disputes, to begin audio recording all public proceedings starting January 1, 2027. Under the proposed legislation, these audio recordings must be posted on a publicly accessible online platform maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts within a reasonable time after each proceeding concludes. Each recording will include a disclaimer that it is not an official court transcript. The presiding judicial officer retains discretion to restrict public access to an audio recording, in whole or in part, if there is good cause, such as protecting confidential business or personal information, safeguarding witnesses, or ensuring a fair trial. When such restrictions are imposed, the judicial officer must document the rationale in a written order that will become part of the public record unless confidentiality requirements dictate otherwise. The Court of Chancery is required to develop administrative rules to implement these requirements by December 3, 2026, making this bill a significant step towards increasing transparency in judicial proceedings.

Justice

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142613